Mushrooms: Feel Good
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years as food and medicine. More recently, medicinal mushrooms have been in the spotlight for their incredible immune supporting strength and powerful anti-cancer properties.
Medicinal mushrooms are also powerful immune modulators and adaptogens. This means that they have the ability to support the body throughout any type of stress. Unlike some herbal products, medicinal mushrooms do not stimulate or suppress any functions in the body. Instead, they encourage balance and adaptation in the body.
Medicinal mushrooms contain many key nutrients such as enzymes, prebiotics, antioxidants and polysaccharides like beta glucans which provide anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-microbial properties to support the immune system. They also include other health benefits such as high antioxidant properties, liver protection and filtration, and cholesterol lowering abilities.
The benefits of the most common medicinal mushrooms are:
REISHI
Reishi is the queen of mushrooms and is commonly known to reduce stress, improve sleep and have antihistaminic properties. It also improves athletic performance by enhancing oxygenation of the blood and reducing altitude sickness.
Reishi is a great mushroom choice if you suffer from insomnia, muscle tension, anxiety or exhaustion.
CHAGA
Chaga is known as the king of all mushrooms. It is most beneficial for supporting prevention and treatment for various types of cancer because it contains an incredibly high amount of powerful antioxidants such as SOD (superoxide dismutase) which protects against DNA damage. It also contains melanin, which is very beneficial for strengthening the eyes, nails, skin and slowing down the aging process, as well as betulinic acid, which is a highly effective anti-viral nutrient.
LIONS MANE
Lions Mane is a unique mushroom due to its ability to regenerate nerve growth factors to rejuvenate the brain. It is known for supporting the nervous system and conditions like Parkinson’s, MS and nerve damage. Lions Mane is a cognitive enhancement which supports memory, concentration and mental clarity.
CORDYCEPS
Cordyceps mushrooms have been traditionally used as one of the strongest energy boosters, as well as a libido and vitality enhancer. Cordyceps increase ATP production and oxygen intake which can improve mental and physical performance to support athletic enhancement.
The top reason that many people use medicinal mushrooms is to reduce stress. By reducing your stress levels, you are able to work more efficiently and with cognitive clarity. Medicinal mushrooms have also been known to improve sleeping habits and athletic performance.
If you aren’t convinced yet that medicinal mushrooms are beneficial for almost every health concern…they are also suited to every type of diet out there! Yes, even candida diets. They are also paleo, vegan, and auto-immune friendly. They even contain vitamins and minerals to support and nourish the body naturally. Whether you supplement with capsules or drink mushroom in your coffee, embrace the shrooms and feel good!Written by our in-house registered holistic nutritionist Marissa
